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At Queen’s, we believe that all Christians, no matter where or how they serve God, can benefit from thinking carefully about issues of faith and practice. Theology is not only for those in positions of leadership or those who are considered the ‘clever ones’, but for all of us attempting to follow Jesus and make him known in our families, workplaces, communities and throughout the world.
However, we also know that many cannot simply walk away from existing responsibilities and communities to study at a Bible or theological training college on a full-time basis. We don’t think this should get in the way of anyone pursuing their interest in Theology, in fact, we believe studying part-time and in your own context can add significant value to theological study – and Queen’s Online is designed for people to do just that!
Queen’s Online offers flexible, high-quality online learning, focused on giving you the skills to use what you are learning in all aspects of your life. You will join a community of diverse learners, accessing carefully-designed courses aimed to help you get the most out of your studies, whatever your context and motivations for learning.
How is Queen's Online different?
- Distance learning without the distance: We don’t believe that flexible, online courses need to compromise on relational connection with others. We invite students to join our growing, diverse community of online learners from all over the UK and the world.
- Wide range of assessment methods: demonstrate your learning through conversation, practical skills and oral presentations, not just essay writing.
- Real life application: Opportunities to practise navigating the relationship between theology and everyday faith, practice and community life, through independent learning projects at every stage of study.
- Bespoke, personal support: work with skilled and personable tutors who are interested in your reasons for learning and getting to know you and your context better rather than just get you over the line.
- Multiple starting points: Online study can begin in either September or January. The September starting point allows for a break during the Summer months, whereas the January starting point requires learners to complete a module in July/August.
- Widening access: Queen’s Online courses are designed with neurodiverse learners and those from underrepresented groups in academic theology in mind.
Applications are accepted all year round and we will discuss with you the best starting point.
Overview of the Queen’s Online Year
The two starting points for Queen’s Online (September and January) offer slightly different annual patterns. Those beginning in September will take a Summer break whereas beginning in January requires a module to be completed in July/ August. This also means that, in effect, those beginning in January can complete a level 4 qualification (certificate) in approximately 18 months (rather than 2 years).
| September start | January start | |
| September | Module 1 | Mid Jan – Mid Feb |
| October – Mid January | Module 2 | March – May |
| Mid Jan – Mid Feb | Module 3 | July/August |
| March – May | Module 4 | September |
| September | Module 5 | October – Mid January |
| October – Mid January | Module 6 | Mid Jan – Mid Feb |
| Mid Jan – Mid Feb | Module 7 | March – May |
| March – May | Module 8 | June |
Pre-requisites for study
- Time: We recommend the equivalent of two evenings or one day per week to study. There are many ways this can be worked around other commitments, but it will require discipline and planning for those with other commitments. Contact us to discuss how it could work for you.
- English language skills: The course takes place in English. You will either need to be a native speaker of English or have an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with no single component under 6. For more information see here: https://www.dur.ac.uk/learningandteaching.handbook/1/3/3/1/
- IT: To study online you will need a computer (either desktop or laptop with reliable internet connection able to facilitate a video call). Tablets and phones are helpful additions but not sufficient for accessing all the elements of the course.
- Support: we ask that you nominate several people in your community or wider circle to act as your ‘study buddies’, who you officially ask to ‘have your back’ during your time with us. These people are there to ask you how you’re getting on, encourage you when it gets tough and give you places of accountability to update on progress.
- Time zones: Please note that if you are joining Queen’s Online from outside the UK, online gatherings are scheduled during evening hours (GMT).
- Basic skills and confidence (or willingness to demonstrate a growth in confidence before beginning the course) in using online resources. You will need to be able to watch, listen and read material online as well as respond using our Virtual Learning Environment.
Examples of basic skills needed
- Can you log into an online platform, locate a specific resource (YouTube video or similar) and leave a comment on it?
- Can you download a PDF file for offline access and printing?
- Can you use a word processing application such as Word or Pages to present a document with specific font styles and titles?
- Can you use an online messenger app (similar to Whatsapp) to send audio and video notes?
- Can you use an app (like Zoom or Facetime) to participate in a video call?
What you don’t need
- You don’t need to live in Birmingham or the UK
- You don’t need any previous studies or experience in Theology (for Certificate entry)
- You don’t need to own/ buy lots of books (we might suggest that you invest in a few, but we provide most in e-book form)
- You don’t need to commit to Certificate, Diploma and BA qualifications all at once. Some people want to do this – sign up for a 6-year, part-time BA from the very beginning. Others prefer to progress in stages. We will support you in the decision-making process.
What will learning online look and feel like?
- Our specially designed programmes offer a range of materials to engage with online. These will include audio, video and reading materials with exercises to complete online. Click here to experience a Queen’s online course
- Share your learning and questions with others on the course in written, audio or video format, through discussion boards.
- Gather regularly with other learners and tutors in online group sessions to discuss your learning and practise applying it to your context and hearing about others’ experiences and questions. We run free taster sessions during the months of June/July and November/December. Express your interest to discover the latest dates and experience a taster session here
Find your Queen's Online course
You can discover our flexible Queen’s Online programmes through various options:
